Pedestrian killed in Fitchburg is Westminster man

FITCHBURG 
An 84-year-old man was killed and his 67-year-old female companion hospitalized after they were hit by a vehicle while crossing Westminster Street (Routes 2A and 31) Friday night.

Timothy J. Connolly, a spokesman for District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., identified the man as James Aho of 36 East Gardner Road, Westminster, and the woman as MaryAnn LeBlanc of 41 Oakmont Ave., Westminster.

Police Lt. Kevin O'Brien said the couple were crossing the street after having dinner when they were hit by a car. Mr. Connolly identified the driver of the car as Debra L. Dunn, 74, of 23 Vernon St., Fitchburg, and said the accident remained under investigation.

“They were having supper at Barb's Café. They came out of Barb's. They were crossing the street. They were almost across the street and then they got hit,” Lt. O'Brien said, “The fellow was on the outside, the female on the inside. He got hit first.”

The accident happened about 6 p.m. in front of 131 Westminster St. near Simonds Road. The car stopped, Lt. O'Brien said.

Employees and customers at the restaurant said yesterday morning that the heavily traveled section of two-lane road where the accident occurred is hazardous to people trying to cross. It is posted for 25 miles per hour, but they said drivers do not stick to the limit.

“They come around the corner at 50 miles per hour,” said customer Trudy Postale of Fitchburg.

Ms. Postale said she was almost hit a few months ago as she stepped off the curb to cross the road.

“I cross here all the time,” she said. “I now realize how fast it is.”

Employees said the danger is increased by poor street lighting.

“There are two lights out,” employee Mary Beth Saro said, indicating with her hands the lights on either side of the restaurant.

"They were very, very nice people," said Barbara Howard, who was waiting on customers yesterday morning. "They are usually here every Saturday morning, but not today."

Timothy McCarthy was cooking Friday night. He said he did not see the accident, but was saddened by Mr. Aho's death.

"They were regular customers and very nice people," he said.

George Barnes and Gary V. Murray of the Telegram & Gazette staff contributed to this report